Most people install a tankless water heater because they want the convenience of on-demand hot water while also having a more efficient water heating solution in their home. It can be particularly frustrating when the heater malfunctions and does not perform as intended. If you are having issues with your tankless water heater's temperature, the following guide can help you pinpoint the cause of the problem.

Water Won't Heat Up

If the water is remaining cold or isn't heating up sufficiently, begin troubleshooting by first checking that the thermostat is set to the proper temperature and that the circuit for the water heat is flipped to the "on" position. For a gas heater, verify that the pilot light is on and burning a clean blue. The cause for poor heating typically is related to the power or fuel supply. A repair technician will need to inspect the heater to make sure that there are no electrical shorts, the fuel lines are clear and the valves are functioning properly. In some cases the problem may be with the control panel of the heater. In this case, there will typically be an error code showing on the panel.

Water Is Too Hot

Overly hot water isn't just a waste of energy, it can also lead to scalding injuries if you aren't expecting it. Further, overheating of the water is also hard on the tankless heater and can lead to an increased need for repairs. As a general guideline, keep the heater thermostat set to no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water is exceeding this temperature, the thermostat may be malfunctioning, which requires a replacement or repair. Another cause of overheating is if something, such as sedimentation from hard water, is blocking flow through the heater. A repair technician can clear the lines to fix the problem.

Water Temperature Fluctuates

A common issue with tankless heaters is to turn on the tap and have hot water flowing, and then there is a spurt of cold water followed by a more consistent flow of hot water. This occurs because there is hot water from a previous usage still in the hot water supply line. Once this runs out, there is a momentary flow of cold water before the heater powers up and hot water flows again. This is not a malfunction, but it can be inconvenient. You can have a small buffer tank installed between the tankless heater and the taps. This tank holds heated water so that there is no cold water spurt between turning on a tap and the heater bringing the water to temperature.

Contact a tankless water heater repair service in your area if you need help with any of these issues.